CBC organizes outreach program in Zanskar

Kargil, October 20:

The Central Bureau of Communication, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Government of India today organized an Integrated Communication and Outreach Program (ICOP) in the Ladakh region for awareness of the Prime Minister’s 15-Point Program for minorities under the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM).

The program was organized by CBC’s Field Office Anantnag at Government Higher Secondary School, Padum in Zanskar at an altitude of 12,000 feet.

It was the first such outreach program in decades to be organized by the bureau in the region. The program was part of a series of awareness programs being organized in Ladakh in October meant for mass awareness about various schemes, and welfare measures being implemented throughout the country under the Prime Minister’s 15 Point Program for the welfare of religious minorities.

Apart from this, information about the objectives and vision of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav was also provided to participants which included the new initiatives of Swaraj Television Series and Azadi Quest Mobile Games.

The information about these initiatives was provided by means of standees, printed Information Education and Communication (IEC) material, pamphlets, brochures, group discussions, face-to-face communication as well as using traditional performing arts.

Executive Councilor, Tourism, RD and Zanskar Affairs, LAHDC, Kargil, Punchok Tashi was the chief guest on the occasion. He appreciated CBC, Regional Office, Jammu for reaching out to the people of Zanskar and organizing an awareness programs in the remote region.

He congratulated the team of CBC for braving harsh weather and rough terrain in order to take the message of development to the people at the grassroots level.

Tashi said that the PM’s 15 Point Program represents the government’s commitment to the development of religious minorities and impressed upon the stakeholders to ensure the timely implementation of schemes under the program for the equitable development of Zanskar and Ladakh.

While appealing to the youth to be the torchbearers of national progress, the EC said, “We need to know and celebrate our glorious past and work towards the development of Aatm Nirbhar Bharat. It is our national duty to follow the ideals of our freedom fighters.”

Ghulam Abass, Joint Director, CBC, J&K and Ladakh region in his address said that CBC has taken the initiative to reach out to the people of Zanskar in order to empower them with information on various developmental initiatives undertaken by the government.

He made special mention of Ayushman Bharat and Poshan Abhiyan terming these flagship schemes as groundbreaking in achieving a prosperous India. Abass said that PM’s 15-point program envisages an India where every citizen shares the benefits of national development and lives in harmony with other fellow citizens.

In his introductory remarks, Shahid Mohammad Lone, Field Publicity Officer, CBC Anantnag, and Leh presented an overview of the mandate and activities of the CBC in J&K and Ladakh regions.

He gave a detailed insight into the different schemes being implemented across different sectors by various ministries under the PM’s 15-Point Program. He impressed upon the youth especially students to take advantage of various scholarships and skill development courses offered under the overarching program.

The program was also attended by Block Development Council, Chairperson Stanzin Sandop, Block Development Officer, Zanskar Tsewang Rigzen, In-charge Tehsildar Zanskar Talib Hussian, Senior Medical Officer, Dr. Nawang Chosdol, prominent citizens and representatives of various religious bodies.

A stall of the health department was set up at the venue wherein free medicines and COVID-19 vaccination were provided. The theme-based cultural program were also presented by cultural parties sending messages about various welfare schemes and highlighting the amazing culture of Zanskar. Students took part in an open quiz, the winners of which were felicitated at the end of the program.

A similar program was organized by CBC at Khaltsi in Leh district earlier this week two more will be organized in Sankoo and Kargil in the next two weeks by the CBC.